US urges healing process

22 April 2010 01:34 am - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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WASHINGTON - The United States called on Sri Lanka’s new government to use its mandate to pursue a “healing process” as the island recovers from decades of war.

Sri Lanka’s new parliament is set to convene Thursday after Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse’s allies won just short of a sweeping two-thirds majority.

US State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said the government appeared to enjoy a “significant mandate” from the election.

“The government should use that mandate to help continue the healing process within Sri Lankan society, to bring all elements to help Sri Lanka get past the recent conflict and move forward together,” Crowley told reporters.

Sri Lanka’s military last year killed the leadership of the Tamil Tiger rebels, ending decades of ethnic bloodshed that according to the United Nations claimed up to 100,000 lives.

Political opponents and international human rights groups have accused Rajapakse of violating human rights during the final military campaign and of suppressing dissent since his resounding re-election.

The new parliament’s opposition leader, former army chief Sarath Fonseka, was placed under military arrest after losing the presidential election to Rajapakse. He is expected to be returned to detention after each parliament session. (AFP)

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Comments - 9

Thursday, 22 April 2010 03:45 AM

We are all riding the crest of the wave of the war victory - but this euphoria is not going to last forever. And when the euphoria ends it will be like the tsunami - it will lash far over the land, but when it withdraws,, it will take back everything and more with it back into the sea. Sri Lanka will be like a tsunami.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 03:47 AM

Sri Lanka cannot be like the US - Barack Obama & supporters never hounded out or insulted Palin after his victory. But in Sri Lanka - this is happening.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 04:11 AM

Be a little bit more humble, while indeed things aren’t as good as they ought to be as in an utopia, there are still a few honest, educated, dedicated and very intelligent people in very important posts who know what they are dong. Doomsayer statements as is the nature of yours is utterly unconstructive and serves no purpose than to vent your own frustrations and insecurities.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 04:33 AM

US should also adhere to its own advise when it comes to Iraq,Iran and Afghanistan citizens who were killed by the US forces.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 04:34 AM

Healing process...Where...Afghanistan or Iraq ?

Thursday, 22 April 2010 04:36 AM

Sri lanka's inherent hypocrisy,preaching and with all the nationalists/wolves in sheep clothing/robes as well as howling wansa's, it will be a remarkable task for HE to undertake .Hope and wish he will go beyond the boundaries of hatred and extremism to usher new political culture and prosperity for all Sri lankans in this divided nation!!

Thursday, 22 April 2010 04:48 AM

It's good advice, but we Lankans are not known for accepting our failings and faults. Without acceptance, and without political backing due to the lack of real statesmen, there is no possibility of reconciliation.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 05:54 AM

If the US is sincere in its advice it should request all countries not to harbour or aid any LTTE terrorists or permit the creation of new LTTE cells in those countries in order to prevent a resurgence of terrorism in Sri Lanka. The ethnic groups in Sri Lanka (other than a few disgruntled trouble makers) can live in peace and harmony under an amended Constitution that should not be bypassed by ANYONE.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:02 AM

How come SF became the leader of the opposition??His party won just 7 seats....even that was mostly due to the lower voter turnout...

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US urges healing process

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